Volume 32… Number 41, Oct. 20, 2026
STORIES COVERED
In This Issue:
- Matson Christens First of Three New LNG-Fueled Aloha Class Containerships
- Results of Survey on Shipboard Confined Space Training Posted on Bridgedeck.org
- Jones Act Waiver Now in Its 7th Month: Rep. Carbajal Presses DHS on Enforcement of US Labor and Tax Law on Foreign Ships
- Southeast Alaska Pilots’ Association 2027 Entrance Examination
- USCG Announces Mariner Credentialing Program Listening Session
- IMO Survey on Use of Maritime Single Window–Deadline Oct. 31, 2026
Job Opportunities:
And:
MATSON CHRISTENS FIRST OF THREE NEW LNG-FUELED ALOHA CLASS CONTAINERSHIPS
MM&P-crewed Matson Navigation christened the first of its three new Aloha-class LNG-fueled containerships in a ceremony held at Hanwha Philly Shipyard on Oct. 10.
Matson board member Jenai Wall officially named the new vessel Makua with the traditional bottle smash.
Makua and the two other new vessels are being built to match the size and speed of the Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila, the company’s two existing Aloha Class ships.
The Aloha Class vessels are Matson’s fastest, with a top speed of nearly 24 knots.
Makua and the other two new vessels, like their sisterships, will be equipped with dual-fuel engines designed to operate on either conventional marine fuels or LNG.
They have a fuel-efficient hull design, double-hull fuel tanks and freshwater ballast systems.
Makua is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of next year.
The second ship is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2027 and the third is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2028.
“Adding three new Aloha Class ships to the fleet over the next 18 months will improve operating efficiencies and reliability and increase capacity in our core Hawaii service as well as our China-Long Beach Express service,” said Matson CEO Matt Cox.
“And we’re proud that building them here supports hundreds of good-paying shipyard jobs and will provide more than 2,500 job opportunities for U.S. mariners over the lifespan of each ship.”
“We are grateful for Matson’s continued trust in our people, and incredibly proud of the skill and craftsmanship our workforce is bringing to Makua and the next generation of Aloha Class ships,” said David Kim, CEO of Hanwha Philly Shipyard.
Matson will name the other two new vessels Malama and Makena.
The company’s original ships named Makua, Malama, and Makena were freighters commissioned by the United States Shipping Board, an emergency agency established to increase the number of US ships supporting the war effort during World War I.
They were purchased by Matson in the 1920s and remained active in the company’s fleet for the next two decades.
Photos of the christening ceremony will be published in the next issue of The Master, Mate & Pilot.
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RESULTS OF SURVEY ON SHIPBOARD CONFINED SPACE TRAINING POSTED ON BRIDGEDECK.ORG
The results of the recent survey on shipboard training on enclosed space risks have been posted on the MM&P website.
The survey was conducted by the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA).
More than 950 responses were received, most of them from professional mariners.
The overwhelming majority of respondents (93 percent) identified as seafarers currently serving onboard, IFSMA says, spanning 311 distinct rank/designation labels.
Masters/captains (253) and chief officers (158) together accounted for 43 percent of all responses.
The remainder were shore-based DPAs, HSQE managers and superintendents.
INTERCARGO also asked its members—mostly dry/bulk cargo shipowners/managers—to respond.
Respondents answered eight open-ended questions covering awareness building, hazard identification, prevention of unsafe entry, common failure points, rescue-drill content, leadership’s role, what makes drills memorable, and gaps in current industry guidance.
The single most-cited hazard was “impulsive/instinctive rescue.”
Respondents repeatedly described the “would-be rescuer becoming the second casualty” as the leading cause of multiple fatalities and called for stronger training on non-entry rescue and rescuer self-discipline.
Rather than additional paperwork, suggestions for new industry guidance centered on:
— human factors and behavioral training;
— case studies drawn from real casualties;
— standardized minimum competencies for confined space entrants, attendants and rescue teams; and
— clearer practical guidance on non-entry rescue technique.
The results of the survey will be submitted to an International Maritime Organization working group developing new industry guidance to make onshore and onboard enclosed space training and exercises more effective.
IFSMA has consultative status at the IMO, which means that its representatives can participate in committees, subcommittees and working groups.
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REP. CARBAJAL PRESSES DHS ON ENFORCEMENT OF US LABOR AND TAX LAW ON FOREIGN SHIPS
Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) has called on Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to explain how DHS is enforcing federal laws on the foreign ships that are traveling on US waterways under President Trump’s Jones Act waiver.
Carbajal is the ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
DHS includes Customs and Border Protection, which has authority over waiver implementation.
“The Administration has now authorized the waiver for an aggregate period of approximately 250 days, making oversight particularly important,” Carbajal wrote in an Oct. 16 letter to Mullin.
The letter comes days after news outlets reported that at least a dozen foreign tankers had conducted domestic voyages without federal reporting requirements being followed.
Carbajal’s questions covered federal tax law and labor law.
He cited recent IRS guidance that income earned by foreign corporations from operating vessels under the waiver constitutes domestic-source income.
He also requested answers from Mullin on how DHS is enforcing labor laws regarding the foreign mariners who are working on US waterways.
The Bloomberg reporter who wrote about the letter, Zach Williams, reached out to DHS and the Department of Defense for comment, but received no response.
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SOUTHEAST ALASKA PILOTS’ ASSOCIATION 2027 ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
The Southeast Alaska Pilots’ Association (SEAPA) is accepting applications from qualified mariners for its 2027 marine pilot trainee selection examination.
Candidates who successfully complete the examination and evaluation process may be placed on a waiting list for entry into SEAPA’s pilot training program as positions become available.
The application deadline is Jan. 19, 2027. Applications must be received by email.
The remotely proctored, computer-based written exam will take place on March 15.
The simulator evaluation will take place April 19–25 at the University of Alaska Southeast, Ketchikan.
The written exam will be conducted on the Surpass platform and may be taken from a suitable location, including aboard a vessel, provided remote-proctoring requirements are met.
Candidates advancing through the written and simulator stages will be considered for the training program.
Successful completion of pilot training is required to qualify for a State of Alaska pilot license.
Application details and qualifications: https://avanan.url-protection.com/v1/r01/url?o=www.seapa.com/becoming-a-southeast-alaska-marine-pilot/&g=MTVjOTljMTk0YjMxM2JlOQ==&h=NjA2Yzk5NDdhNWZlZjZkYTVhNTIxN2ZmOWYzNTJjMjFkYjhjODNjNmU3OWUxNmJkNmEyYzkzZGE2MTczNWIxYg==&p=YXAzOmJyaWRnZWRlY2s6YTpvOjhlODRmY2MzYmU5NTgwNmRlMGYyZjNkMDkzMjVlNzM2Ojc6dDpU
Examination questions: seapa.exam@gmail.com
Please direct examination inquiries to the email above rather than to SEAPA’s main office.
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USCG ANNOUNCES MARINER CREDENTIALING PROGRAM LISTENING SESSION
The Coast Guard has launched a new digital credentialing system, Navita, to streamline application processing and reduce delays associated with incomplete submissions.
The agency plans to hold a listening session on Nov. 19 to hear from individual users on their experience with Navita in the month since it was launched.
You must register in advance at this link to participate.
For more information about Navita, you may contact Brian Eichelberger at brian.t.eichelberger@uscg.mil.
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IMO SURVEY ON USE OF MARITIME SINGLE WINDOW–DEADLINE OCT. 31, 2026
The International Maritime Organization is collecting information on the use of the maritime single window to understand its impact on the administrative workload of maritime stakeholders and users.
The survey is open to everyone with experience in the implementation, operation or use of maritime single window systems.
Participants should respond to the survey by Oct. 31, 2026 using the following link.
It should only take 15-20 minutes to complete.
The information gathered will support the IMO’s work in identifying challenges, good practices and opportunities to further improve the implementation and operation of MSW systems.
The International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations has asked MM&P to circulate the link to the survey, with the following advice on how to complete section A, the respondent profile.
Shipmasters should fill out section A by entering this information:
Type of Entity: Shipping company/shipowner
Country: Where the shipmaster is from (nationality)
Primary role in relation to MSW: Data submitter
Size of organization: Number of crew onboard. (Choose “1-50 staff.”)
The IMO will treat all responses confidentially. Data will be analyzed on an aggregate basis.
To ensure the accuracy and relevance of the analysis, certain questions are mandatory, including those relating to the country (shipmaster’s nationality) and the respondent’s organization type or stakeholder category.
The results of the initial survey will be circulated by the end of 2026. It is expected that a follow-up survey will be conducted in 2028.
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ATLANTIC MARITIME JOBS
BUCHANAN MARINE
1) Mate/Captain – MMC with a Mate of Towing, Near Costal or Oceans
If you are interested in any of the above positions, please fill out an application on the company’s website first.
Google Buchanan Marine LP, then click “careers” and scroll down to “apply online.”
Then email your resume and copies of your credentials to Paulina at ptrzepacz@bridgedeck.org.
If you have any questions, please call Paulina at 973-495-9377
STATEN ISLAND FERRY
1) Provisional Marine Oilers with their QMED
If you are interested, please fill out an application on the city’s website.
Any questions, please send an email to Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org
2) Deckhand with an AB
If you are interested, please fill out an application on the city’s website.
If you have any questions, please send an email to Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org
MARINE OIL SERVICE
1) Tankerman PIC – MMC tankerman (PIC) with DL (required)
If you are interested, please fill out an application online
or email the company at careers@marineoilservice.com
If you have any questions, please send an email to Anthony at aturzio@bridgedeck.org
REINAUER
1) Mate with a 500-ton masters or mate near coastal but will accept 200-ton masters or mate near coastal
If you are interested in this position, please email your resume and copies of your credentials to Keith at kpoissant@bridgedeck.org.
If you have any questions, please call Keith at 973-420-0492
CIRCLE LINE
1) Tour Guide
If you are interested in this position, please email Nicole Estevez at NEstevez@nycl.com
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MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES
For registration contact our Admissions Department: 866.656.5568 or admissions@mitags.org
Classes are 5-day unless otherwise noted
Class dates followed by an (*) are full
[STCW, MEDICAL & SAFETY Courses]
BT – Basic Safety Training: 11/30/26, 03/08/27, 04/12/27
FF-ADV – Advanced Firefighting (4-Day): 01/25/27, 05/17/27
FF-BADV – Fire Fighting Combined Basic & Advanced: 11/30/26
MED-PRO – Medical Care Provider: 11/02/26, 03/15/27
MED-PIC – Medical Person in Charge (10-Day): 11/30/26, 01/18/27, 02/22/27, 04/19/27
MED-PIC-REF – Medical Person in Charge Refresher: 11/09/26, 11/16/26, 01/04/27, 02/11/27, 05/06/27
MED-DOT-DA – Dept. of Transportation Drug & Alcohol Testing (1-Day):
11/15/26, 12/05/26, 01/06/27, 01/23/27, 02/13/27, 02/27/27, 04/24/27, 05/09/27
[STCW LICENSE & RADAR RENEWAL Courses]
Revalidations (REV): You have 360+ days of sea time in the last 5 years
BT-REV (2-day): 10/26/26*, 12/07/26, 02/08/27, 03/22/27, 05/03/27
FF-ADV-REV (1-day): 10/28/26*, 12/09/26, 02/10/27, 03/24/27, 05/05/27
Refreshers (REF): You have less than 360 days of sea time in the last 5 years
BT-REF (3-day): 10/26/26*, 12/07/26, 02/08/27
FF-ADV-REF (2-day): 10/29/26, 12/10/26, 02/11/27
ROR-1N – Radar Observer Renewal Evening Classes (1-Night): 10/28/26, 12/09/26, 02/10/27
[CMM – CHIEF MATE & MASTER UPGRADE Courses]
ADVSTB – Advanced Stability: 12/07/26
ADVWX – Advanced Meteorology: 11/30/26
CHS-CMM – Advanced Cargo Operations (10-Day): Not Currently Scheduled
LAP – License Advancement Program for Mate to Master (20-Day): 04/12/27
LAP Testing Notice: Due to changes at the Baltimore REC, LAP courses no longer include priority testing. Seating is limited to 6 students. All testing now requires a scheduled appointment and an approval letter.
LMS – Leadership and Managerial Skills: 12/14/26, 02/01/27
MPP-CMM – Marine Propulsion Plants: Not Currently Scheduled
SHMGT-CMM – Ship Management: Not Currently Scheduled
SHS-ADV-CMM – Advanced Shiphandling (10-Day): 11/02/26, 11/30/26, 01/18/27, 03/08/27, 03/29/27, 05/03/27, 06/07/27
WKP-CMM – Advanced Watchkeeping: Not Currently Scheduled
[AB TO MATE UPGRADE Courses]
ARPA-OIC – Automated Radar Plotting Aids (4-Day): 11/09/26, 02/08/27, 05/03/27
CHS-OIC – Cargo Handling & Stowage: 11/09/26, 02/08/27, 03/08/27, 05/10/27
CNAV-OIC – Celestial Navigation (15-Day): 11/30/26, 02/22/27, 05/24/27
ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display Information Systems: 11/16/26, 02/15/27, 05/10/27
FL – Visual Communications / Flashing Light (1 Day): 01/14/27
GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (10-Day): 03/01/27,04/19/27
LAP-ORG3rd – License Advancement Prep (15-Day): 01/04/27, 03/15/27
LTS – Leadership and Teamworking Skills (1-Day): 10/24/26, 11/13/26
ROU-OIC – Radar Observer Unlimited: 10/26/26, 02/01/27, 04/26/27
SAR – Search and Rescue (3-Day): 01/11/27, 02/22/27, 04/26/27
SHS-BAS-OIC – Basic Shiphandling: 11/30/26, 01/04/27
STB-OIC – Stability and Cargo Handling: 10/26/26, 02/01/27, 03/01/27, 05/03/27
TNAV/CO – Terrestrial Navigation and Compasses (15-Day): 01/04/27, 04/05/27
WKP-OIC – Watchkeeping (10-Day): 02/15/27, 03/29/27
WX-OIC – Basic Meteorology: 11/16/26, 01/18/27, 04/12/27, 06/28/27
[MSC – MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND Courses]
MSC-ATO-I – Anti-Terrorism Officer (Online): Contact Admissions
MSC-ATO-II – Anti-Terrorism Officer: Level 2: 03/22/27
MSC-CBRD-1 – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Orientation (Basic) Indoctrination (1-Day): 11/05/26, 01/07/27, 03/11/27,05/06/27,06/10/27
MSC-DC – Damage Control (1-Day): 11/06/26, 01/08/27, 03/12/27, 05/07/27, 06/11/27
MSC-ENVPRO (1-Day): 11/06/26, 01/08/27, 03/12/27, 05/07/27, 06/11/27
MSC-SMA – Small Arms (4-Day): 11/09/26, 12/07/26, 01/11/27, 02/08/27, 03/15/27, 04/12/27, 05/10/27, 06/14/27
MSC-SWB – Security Watch Basic (1-Day): 11/07/26, 01/09/27, 03/13/27, 05/08/27, 06/12/27
MSC-SW-ADV – Security Watch Advanced (1-Day): 11/08/26, 12/06/26, 01/10/27, 02/07/27, 03/14/27, 04/11/27, 05/09/27, 05/12/27, 06/13/27
MSC-Ship’s Reaction Force (3-Day): 11/13/26*, 01/15/27, 03/19/27, 05/14/27, 06/18/27
[MM&P COMPANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS Courses]
CM-OPS 1 – Chief Mate Operations: Not Currently Scheduled
CM-OPS 2 Maersk – CM Operations II Maersk Specific: Not Currently Scheduled
LNG-BADV – Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations (3-Day): 10/26/26*, 10/29/26*
NSAP-MMP – Navigational Skills Assessment Program-MM&P (2-Day): 02/02/27*, 02/04/27 Contact Admissions@MITAGS.org to Register
SHS-EMR5 – Emergency Shiphandling: 10/26/26*
WX-HW-PAC – Heavy Weather Avoidance Routing: Pacific Ocean (2-Day): 12/05/26
[OTHER MITAGS Courses]
AB – Able Seaman: 12/07/26
BRM – Bridge Resource Management: Not Currently Scheduled
GL-Pilot – Great Lakes Pilotage Familiarization (2-Day): Not Currently Scheduled
LAP-Great Lakes – License Advancement Program – Great Lakes (15-Day): Not Currently Scheduled
HAZ – Hazardous Materials: 12/14/26
Qualified Assessor (Online): Contact Admissions
RFPNW – Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (3-Day): Not Currently Scheduled
TPIC – Tankerman Person in Charge: 11/30/26
VSO – Vessel Security Officer (3-Day): 11/09/26
[CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT WORKSHOPS – NOT covered by the MATES Program]
Designated Person Ashore & Internal Auditor (3-Day): Online: 11/04/26
Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis (2-Day): Online: Not Currently Scheduled
MITAGS–WEST ACADEMIC NOTES
FOR REGISTRATION CONTACT OUR ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT 866.656.5568 OR admissions@mitags.org
October 2026
26-30 Medical Care Provider
26-30 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*
27-30 ARPA
November 2026
2-4 Security Officer – Vessel, Company & Facility
2-5 Advanced Firefighting
2-6 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*
2-6 Leadership & Managerial Skills
9-11 Search & Rescue
12-13 Basic Training Revalidation
14th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
16-20 Basic Training
16-20 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*
16-20 Basic Shiphandling
December 2026
30-4 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*
30-11 Medical Person-In-Charge
30-18 Celestial Navigation
1-4 Advanced Firefighting
7-8 Basic Training Revalidation
7-9 Basic Training Refresher
7-18 GMDSS
9th Advanced Firefighting Revalidation
10-11 Advanced Firefighting Refresher
14-18 Self-Study LAP (Original Mate Level)*
14-18 Basic Training
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The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly is the official electronic newsletter of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, 700 Maritime Blvd., Suite B, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1953. Phone: 410-850-8700; Fax: 410-850-0973. All rights reserved. The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly©2023. Articles can be reprinted without prior permission if credit is given to The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly.
For subscriptions, address changes or messages to the editor, send an email to communications@bridgedeck.org.
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